Law firm culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the day-to-day environment your attorneys, staff, and clients experience. It's how people interact, how work gets done, and how success is defined and celebrated. And as a law office administrator, you have more influence over it than you might realize. Let’s look at what makes culture bad, what makes it great, and how you can help … [Read more...] about Law Firm Culture: What It Is—and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Managing staff
July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
Let’s be honest—law office life moves at lightning speed most of the year. There are deadlines to meet, clients to serve, and a constant shuffle of priorities. But July? July is different. The courts slow down, partners take vacations, and the calendar loosens just enough to give you some breathing room. That makes this the perfect month to catch up on the things that always … [Read more...] about July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee’s performance and commitment to their primary job. Here’s how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
If you’ve ever handed off a task only to feel your fingers twitching with the urge to take it back, you’re not alone. Delegation can be tricky, especially when you’re used to being in control or when the stakes feel high. But there’s a sweet spot between giving your team freedom and staying in the loop—and that’s where the magic of good supervision happens. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
By Lynne Curry A coaching client collapsed into the chair across from my desk, her face telegraphing defeat. “I barely survived a lunch break with Paula from Payroll.” “Lexy, what happened?” I asked. “Paula looked at my quinoa bowl and said, ‘So, you’re dieting—Is it working?’ Then she asked, ‘Are you still doing the dating apps? What’s it been, a year?’” A few … [Read more...] about Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
10 Good Things to Work on in June: A To-Do List for Law Office Managers
June is a bit of a transitional month in many law offices. Court schedules might be lighter, attorneys may start planning summer vacations, and support staff might have more flexibility in their workload. For a law office manager, this makes June an ideal time to catch up, clean up, and plan ahead. Here are ten productive projects you can focus on this month to set the tone for … [Read more...] about 10 Good Things to Work on in June: A To-Do List for Law Office Managers
6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office
Small businesses, including legal practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about 6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office
How you can support associates’ professional development
The law office administrator can have a significant impact on the professional development of your associates. By fostering a culture that encourages continuous learning, providing mentorship opportunities, and promoting growth, you can help build a stronger, more capable team. Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in supporting your associates’ professional development. 1. … [Read more...] about How you can support associates’ professional development
Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager
Hiring a records manager for your law office is a critical task. A good records manager ensures your firm’s sensitive legal documents are properly organized, stored, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. From maintaining digital archives to overseeing physical files, the role demands precision and confidentiality. Here’s how to effectively recruit, hire, and onboard … [Read more...] about Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager